About
Length13 mi
ShapePoint-to-Point
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain200 ft up
Typical time6 hr 30 min
TrailheadSouth Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest
SurfaceMostly paved, some dirt west of Powell Point
Best seasonSouth Rim year round; March to May and September to November are best. The North Rim opens mid-May to mid-October.
DogsLeashed / limited stretches
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🚲 Bikes

The Rim Trail is a mostly paved path that stretches roughly 13 miles (21 km) along the southern rim of Grand Canyon from South Kaibab Trailhead in the east to Hermits Rest in the west. Most people won't hike the whole trail in one go, but walking short sections of the rim can provide an excellent chance to stretch the legs after a long car ride, take a break from riding the shuttle, or to get away from a busy viewpoint for a moment. No matter how much of it you walk, you'll get lots of good views along the way! One-way Distances from Mather Point along the Rim Trail. South Kaibab Trail - 2.2 miles (3.5 km) Yavapai Geology Museum - 0.7 miles (1 km) Verkamp's Visitor Center - 2.2 miles (3.5 km) Bright Angel Trailhead - 2.5 miles (4 km) Hermits Rest - 11 miles (18 km) Popular Sections Mather Point to Yavapai Geology Museum Length : 0.7 mi (1 km) one way Time : 15-30 minutes Accessibility : Paved, short sections of grade. This short section of the trail is one of the most popular as it is easily accessible from both Mather and Yavapai Points and it offers constant views of Grand Canyon, as well as Phantom Ranch and a glimpse of the Colorado River far below. Even walking part of this section guarentees some great Grand Canyon vistas. Note: When the Kaibab/Rim (Orange) Route shuttle bus is running to Mather Point and the Yavapai Geology Museum it links the two ends of this section for an easy one-way hike. Mather Point to Grand Canyon Historic Village Length : 2.5 mi (4 km) one way Time : 45 minutes to 2 hours Accessibbility : Paved, short sections of grade. (It is largely downhill heading east to west from Mather to the Village) This 2.5 mile stretch of the Rim Trail includes the section above, and expands it west to include the trail to/from the historic village. While you can walk this section in under an hour it is recommended to plan for a longer trip as you'll want to take your time to appreciate all the good views, snag a few pictures, and experience the Trail of Time, which overlaps this section of the rim. The 2 mile (3.5 km) section between Yavapai Geology Museum and the Grand Canyon Historic Village can be hot and sunny in the summer time so be sure to take water, snacks, and sun protection. Water and restrooms are available at the Geology Museum, Grand Canyon Visitor and at multiple spots in the village. This section of the trail is quite popular as well, but offers more opportunities for solitude and quiet moments along the canyon's edge. Note: When the Village (Blue) Route shuttle bus is running transportation will run between the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and the Village to help complete a one-way loop. Grand Canyon Historic Village to Hermits Rest Length : 7 mi (11 km) one way Time: 3+ hours Accessibility: The section between Monuement Creek Vista and Pima Point is paved and accessible, but the rest of the Rim Trail along the Hermit Road is NOT accessible. The rest of the trail is a mix of dirt and paved paths with the paved sections

Tips
The only long trail in the park where leashed dogs are allowed. Because the shuttle parallels it you can walk any stretch and ride back. The paved sections between Pipe Creek Vista and Monument Creek Vista are wheelchair accessible. There is no bus on Hermit Road in December, January or February.
Location

South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest

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